Looking for thoughts, reviews, etc as I'm looking to purchase this setup.

Thanks!!

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=53788

and Setx has one too.
He'll see this soon and can help.

I've got the setup you're speaking of, what would you like to know about it? Where are you located?

Good thing I bought what I did I guess. It has its shortcomings. But for an all around, 12mo/yr type rig, it works for me. My next one will be a little different though.

They do slide a good bit if loaded light or running too fast into a turn. With a good load they do turn better and either way it's controllable once you learn how to drive it. It's just a product of the chine design. But it's the chine that makes these hulls run like they do and carry weight as well as they do. It's a compromise. I'd change some things about the floor plan for my own individual uses but honestly you get what you get when buying a production hull. It works fine and has accomplished everything I've needed it to but it could be changed up I guess you could say. One reason why they are built the way they are is for strength. The raised section in the floor covers cross bracing that ties the boat together side to side. They are a very strong boat. Some people dislike the short sides on the 60" hulls but I find them to be nothing but a plus. Easier to get into the boat out of the water, easier to reach the water to land a nice fish from the deck, and much better in the wind with regards to being blown around. I run a smallish 12v trolling motor and have no complaints. Easier to hide a shorter boat ( vertically shorter ) when hunting also.

What else do you want to hear? I can't let flint down and those be the only few things I can knock it for or brag about

That's one of the primary reasons I chose what I did. I have two small daughters that like to tag along and a wife that doesn't mind it from time to time as well. I can load all 4 of us and everybody's not on top of each other. I've carried all of us, a ski tube, grill, and everything for a weekend on the sandbar in my boat. Tent, coolers, camp stove etc. the boat still stepped the load fine and got us there comfortably.

I'm considering a 20'er for my next one.

Is the one you're looking at a full bench or split seats?

I forgot I used to have an 1860 godevil. I kinda miss that big ole bitch. Sucked for hunting around here bc it was too big but great for riding in the warmer months.


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I'm right there myself. One just turned 4 last month and the other will be 2 in Oct. where 'bouts are you located?

No. I rarely hunt out of the boat and when I do I camo it differently so it doesn't look like "a boat with a blind on it"... another advantage of it being pretty low profile.

[quote="SETx Longtail"]No. I rarely hunt out of the boat and when I do I camo it differently so it doesn't look like "a boat with a blind on it"... another advantage of it being pretty low profile.[/quote

How bad is this "sliding" in turns I hear so much about? Since you have the exact rig I'm getting.

I won't undersell it, the hull slides a lot but once you get a couple hours on it yourself you'll figure out when to throttle it, when to let off and get back in etc, to control the slide. It slides in deep water but it flat out skates in shallow water or mud. I also have Gator glide which makes it capable of going just as fast sideways as you can in a straight line across vegetation if you put some weight in the boat and let the chine hit the water before trying to make a turn at speed you'll be much better off. It's manageable, just takes some practice.

Yes. I have a tach.

You'll take to driving the GDSD naturally if you've put many hours on a longtail.

Should I invest in one for my motor?

I see there are 2, one for the 37 efi, and one for all the other motors. Is there a difference or just a marketing gig?

I have put many hours on it as it's my only boat.

Yes. Every one of these things should have a tachometer in my opinion. It helps if you ever have to troubleshoot issues and gives you reference for where to set your trim, prop wear etc... I don't know of any difference in tach for the 35 vs the 37. They're all an inductive type tach to my knowledge.

Here is a picture, $10 difference.

Not aware what the difference would be. If you're ordering it I would call GD with your serial number (stamped on the back of the drive unit) and they'll get you what you need. It will also be documented in their system. Some people have gripes about their parts ordering system (you can pretty much ONLY get stuff ordered with a SN) but it has returned a lot of stolen motors to owners and it ensures you get the right stuff the first time.

Edit: I believe the one from GD is $65

Whatever way you go, make sure you are getting one from a high volume type seller. These batteries are known to be hit/miss so if you get one that hasn't been on the shelf long or at all it improves your odds that it may last longer.

Thanks, I'll give them a call Tuesday. I have to order some hydroturf as well so it won't be a cheap day!!

Good deal.

I have an 1860 with a 35 GDSD and it's a good all around boat. I haven't used it for a duck season yet as I just got it this spring but we have been using it quite a bit for fishing. The handling takes some getting used to but it's very predictable once you get some stick time. The sliding everyone refers to reminds me of a jet ski or an old Yamaha dual jet boat I used to have. I also have a 1548 with a 22hp longtail and it's too small for me, wife, 8yr old son, and 5yr old daughter to comfortably do anything more than ride. The 1860 has plenty of space for us to spread out and enjoy a day on the water.

I also went from the 16x44 with a longtail to the 18x60 37 SD and I could not be happier. This hull will surely surprise you as to how shallow it will run. My speeds have shocked all my buddies as well and the width really shines with a load. I continuesly hauled 5 men,4 dozen dekes,gear and a dog most of duck season and this thing planed out every time. I have not been able to overload this hull to where it would not get on step even hauling materials to build blinds. The only negative is that it does slide but once you learn how to run it it is actually fun running tight and twisting runs. Even though I liked my old longtail rig and it did serve me well,due to the fact that I have 4 kids I would never go back to my old rig.